Scarf pin-related hijab syndrome: A new name for an unusual type of foreign body aspiration

Abstract

BackgroundForeign body aspiration refers to the inhalation of an object into the respiratory system and is a serious and potentially fatal event. A distinct group of patients has recently been recognized among Muslim nations. These patients include women who wear headscarves and place the safety pin in their mouth prior to securing the veils, leading to accidental foreign body aspiration. The aim of this study was to analyze the main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with scarf pin aspiration.MethodsThis prospective study involved patients with a history of scarf pin aspiration admitted to a single center during an 18-month period. Their main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 27 patients were included. The needle was extracted by flexible bronchoscopy in 12 (44.4%) patients, rigid bronchoscopy in 13 (48.1%), and thoracotomy in 2 (74%). One patient died during rigid bronchoscopy. All remaining 26 patients were satisfied with the postsurgical outcome at a mean follow-up of 1 week.ConclusionsScarf pin aspiration differs from other types of foreign body aspiration considering the specific population affected, and its management algorithm may thus differ from that of other foreign bodies. The left main bronchus is the most common site of pin impaction. Rigid bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure for successful retrieval.

Stabbing pain in the throat after teeth cleaning

“…In some cases, even thoracoscopy was necessary 2. One patient died due to massive endobronchial bleeding 3. Here, we report the first case of pin aspiration while cleaning interdental spaces.…”

Aspiration of hijab pin is sharply rising among young women---A preventable health problem

“…They opined it is more among Islamic women population and is commonly referred in the literature as “turban pin syndrome”[12] or as hijab syndrome. [1]…”

“…It refers to the inhalation of an object into respiratory system and is a serious potentially fatal event. [1] The object aspirated depends on various factors like, age, sex, occupation, geographical area, sociocultural factors, economic status, and nutritional habits. For the current generation, traditional/social habits and fashion trends of using hijab pins have become a discrete category of foreign body aspiration among girls.…”

“…The headscarf pin is about 4 cm in length with a smooth rounded pearl like head which comes in various colors to match the dress one is wearing. [1] The use of headscarf pins is a fashion trend. Girls sometimes use more than one pin hence it is a habitual behavior to hold the other pins between the teeth while they pin and adjust the headscarf/hijab.…”

Extraction of Aspirated Headscarf Pins with Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

“…The incidence of inhalation of this unique foreign body (FB) seems to be steadily increasing [17] [18]. The rigid bronchoscope (RB) is used to be the traditional method of removal [13] [14].…”